TRIBUTE TO THE LA TE EULA PA YNE
WHEREAS, On January 4, 2014, the Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom called Eula Payne to her eternal journey; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of her passing by the Honorable Michael Chandler, Alderman of the 24th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Eula was born on June 2, 1919, in Clarksdale, Mississippi to Charles and Beattie Alexander. She was the baby of 15 children, of which 13 siblings preceded her in death; and
WHEREAS, Eula united in a perfect union with Calvin Payne, Sr., at age 22. Married for 50 years, they marked this occasion of commitment and devotion by renewing their vows on August 1,1991 in a ceremony lead by their grandson Rev. Myron Austin. God blessed their marriage with seven beautiful children; and
WHEREAS, Eula was a powerful God-fearing angel who accepted Christ in her life at a very young age. She joined St. James Baptist Church under her brother Rev. Charles Alexander's leadership. St. James Baptist Church was renamed St. Clair Missionary Baptist Church under another brother's leadership, the Rev. Clarence Alexander. While following the in familiar tradition of diligently serving God, she was president of the Usher Board and devoted many years to serving the Lord's call. She organized a Jr. Usher Board for her grandchildren and other children who were church members; and
WHEREAS, she later joined Trinity United Church of Christ (TUCC) where Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright was Pastor. Eula was "pinned" at TUCC as an Elder and she wore her pin proudly as a badge of wisdom and insight. Her devotion to God and service to others was passed down to her son, Pastor Calvin Payne, Jr, and in 2008, she joined New Hope II Missionary Baptist Church under his leadership; and
WHEREAS, Eula was a loving mother, a business woman and a community activist. In addition to her duties as a mother, she and her husband Calvin operated Payne's Grocery Store for 47 years. She served as the community representative for the Lawndale Community Academy and in 1989 she began her service as a Local School Council member and served for several years. She inspired countless children to stay in school, graduate, and go on to college. She volunteered at the Douglass Library, and joined Mayor Daley's "Adopt-A-Street" program pledging to keep the area free of litter, graffiti and other eyesores. Her team brainstormed and activated a Reading Garden for the children in the neighborhood, a garden that still exists today as a reminder to the community about what can be accomplished through teamwork and cooperation; and
WHEREAS, to honor her life and service to the people of the City of Chicago, The Honorable Michael Chandler, Alderman of the 24th Ward will introduce an ordinance for the installation of an honorary street sign on Christiana Avenue from Roosevelt Road to Douglas Boulevard in Eula Payne's name, preserving her memory and reminding her community of her contributions; and
WHEREAS, Eula leaves one sister, Pinkie Moore, who is 100 years old, to cherish her memory, seven children, Mary Ann Britton (Dewhitt, deceased), Carol Austin, Rev. Calvin Payne, Jr. (Gwen), Dr. Shirley Payne, Diane Duncan, Michael Payne (Melzetta), and Severia Wright (Stan, deceased); twenty-five grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren and great, great, grandchildren, and many other relatives, friends, and community members; and
WHEREAS, She was an intelligent, loving, and nurturing woman. She was courageous and energetic. She dedicated her life to her family as a wife; a mother, a sister, and grandmother and her laughter will be missed; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here in assembly this fifth day of March 2014 A.D., do hereby express our sorrow on the passing of Eula Payne and extend to her family arid friends our deepest sympathy; and
BE IT FURTHE RESOL VED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Eula
(1 VMM&l CKaMer ov Alderman, 24th Ward